If you explained why that was,excuse me,but I didn't see why that was if it wasn't the rivalry.
Well coming from Hoptown...I can't really be the perfect example because Hoptown isn't a smalltown Kentucky city. It's very diverse and has some industry. And also, growing up in WKY we see Nashville as our metropolitan area(like I mentioned earlier). I never really lived in a small town outside of Murray Ky for some grad school...but that's probably one of the nicer more well-off towns in the state because of Murray State.
I can't really put the rivalry on why there's hatred, because it's not like everyone is a huge basketball fan. There's probably a good number of people who like UK for the "state pride"...and then add in the diehards who aren't as many as you think...just loud mouths.
A lot of people around here care more about their farm, their church, GOP politics, etc. I'd say that the church is the big pillar of every community around these parts.
Louisville really doesn't stand out compared to other metro areas...even though there are fun things there...just not the #1 place people want to go most of the time. Most people here hate the northern part of the state...and that includes Lexington. If it wasn't for UK...all of these people would probably have the same view of Lexington. They see Louisville as small towns view all cities....crime filled, liberal, taking their children away as they won't move back home, and people who look down upon their small town way of life.
I'd say similar to St. Louis...I travel their every year, but if it wasn't for Cardinal baseball....I wouldn't really think twice about a vacation their. And even St. Louis has the Arch. When you think of Louisville from a national perspective...you just really think of the Derby.
And because there's nothing really special for those small town people to associate Louisville with...no reason for them to go out of their way to travel there...not saying they're right. I have fond memories from my time in Louisville.
Like the national conversation...small towns and big cities both have pros and cons. Small towns are more peaceful...but big cities are actually with the time when it comes to education and technology. We all could learn from one another.